On May 12, 2023, Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd. released a video on its official YouTube channel featuring the latest updates on the PENTAX Film Project. The video introduced new details about the "compact film camera" currently under development.
Film Project / PENTAX
In response to the renewed popularity of film cameras, especially among younger generations, this project aims to offer new options to film camera enthusiasts in Japan and worldwide by leveraging Ricoh Imaging / PENTAX’s longstanding expertise. The initiative also focuses on developing a camera that provides peace of mind for both long-time film users and a new generation of analog photography aficionados, including comprehensive after-sales support alongside the new product development.
The New Film Camera Features a Manual Lever-Wind Mechanism
In the video featuring TKO, the product planning and design lead, it is explained that the new film camera under development is a fixed-lens compact model. This new camera has been completely redesigned to be easily carried every day and to appeal to younger users.
For the film advance—a hallmark of film camera operation—a manual lever-wind mechanism has been adopted, allowing users to enjoy the tactile and auditory experience of the ratchet gear. The design process involved converting vintage hand-drawn blueprints into 3D data and incorporating advice from former engineers with experience from the original era. The development also considers future adaptability for a new film SLR camera.